At one time in these magnificent dog's history no one lower than an Earl could own one. A high value was placed on the Deerhound, who is the best dog suited to the hunting and killing of deer.

The Scottish Deerhound can be traced definitely back to the 16th and 17th century, but there are dogs that are very similar mentioned years earlier so that many wonder if the Irish Wolf dog isn't the same as today's Deerhound.

In character he is quiet, dignified, keen and alert, although not aggressive, has great persistence and indomitable courage.

The Scottish Deerhound is even rare today. At one point, about 300 years ago, their numbers dwindled till it was close to extinction because they were so prized that people started placing restrictions on breeding the Deerhound. This changed around 1825 when a couple of men in Scotland successfully restored the breed to its past preeminence.

They are a very large dog breed, the males being about 30-32 inches at the shoulder and weighing 85-110 pounds and the females being about 28 inches at the shoulder and weighing 75-95 pounds.

The Scottish Deerhound learns somewhat slowly, is not suited to watchdog or guarddog, but is rather a very gentle, amiable breed and wonderful with children. They are a great family dog.
They are fairly inactive indoors but need a lot of outdoor exercise and should be run daily. They are slow to obey, but will eventually respond to patient training.

This dog is a lovable and somewhat simple giant.

The Dalmatian (careful that you spell it with an "a" and no "o") has been around for centuries. While he has been used for a sentinal in war, a draft dog, a shepherd, a firehouse mascot, a bird dog, trail hound, a favorite circus dog because of his amazing memory, and a vermin hunter, most important of his accomplishments is his use as a coach dog.

Without any previous training a young dalmatian will fall in line perfectly behind a horse and cart. He is physically fitted for road work; speed and endurance blended perfectly in his make-up.

Dalmatians look different than any other breed and are born ready for the show ring as they need no docking, cropping, or anything else done to them.

The breed is listed by the AKC as being a distinctively spotted dog, poised and alert, strong, muscular and active. They are supposed to be free of shyness.

Intelligent and capable of great endurance, combined with fair amount of speed, they were the perfect dog for following and guarding the coach. They are very active, even indoors, and so need a lot of outdoor exercise.

A large dog breed, they stand 19-24 inches at the shoulder and weigh 45-55 for a female and 55-65 for a male.

Daily brushing should control the daily shedding.

Dalmatians tend to be one-family dogs and make a suitable family pet but can be a bit excitable for younger children. They are devoted, playful, and responsive to training.

This little dog comes in two sizes and three different coats - standard and miniature sizes, smooth haired, long haired, and wirehaired. Both are considered a small dog breed.
Standard Dachshunds weigh 16-22 pounds and stand about 9 1/2 inches. Miniature Dachshunds weigh less than 10 pounds and stand 5 inches high.

There are many permissable colors but black and tan is the most common. My dad had a Dachshund when he was growing up that was all red. Sophie got a long fine with all the family members, even the toddler.

Normally, though, these dogs are not good with children, so they are not recommended as a family dog. But they make excellent companions for older people who want a small dog that doesn't require a lot of physical exertion.

Dachshunds can be very long-lived.

They learn quickly, are very alert watchdogs, but not suited to guarddog. In training, they may be hard to housebreak.

Dachshunds are one-family dogs, reserved with strangers, and no problem with strange dogs.

They are very active, even indoors, and may bark more than most other breeds.

Dachshunds are subject to spinal disc problems, but besides that and the possibility of paralysis, they are an easy breed to care for, unless you get a wirehaired. The wirehaired requires daily brushing for about 10 minutes and trimming once in awhile.

Overall, they are a great little dog breed for families without young children or for older people who want a small housepet that is easy to care for.

This video tells you all about the Dachshund, including their history, their temperament, and more.

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We had a Cocker Spaniel named Tiger. He was my brother's dog, adopted from my aunt whose two Cockers were allowed to have one litter. She still has Tiger's parents, Danny Boy and Katie. But Tiger died suddenly about 1 1/2 years ago. We still miss him.

Tiger, like his parents and other Cocker Spaniels, was a lot of fun. They love to play. One of Tiger's favorite games was playing catch with a tennis ball.

Cocker Spaniels usually want to be wherever their favorite family member is, or with whoever is at home. Every night Tiger slept in my brother's room. But if James was gone, Tiger hated to be in there alone and had to sleep with my parents.

Katie is the same way. She has to sleep with someone, and her first choice is my aunt. So if you want a Cocker Spaniel, be prepared to share your bed, or at least your bedroom, at night.

Cocker Spaniels need regular clipping, preferably from a professional. My aunt bought a very nice clipper and grooms her dogs herself very nicely, but she would prefer to take them to a groomer. She says it's a lot of work getting the cut just right.

Their beautiful coat needs to be brushed almost every day to keep from getting matted.

Cocker Spaniels weigh about 25-27 pounds and would be conisidered a medium dog breed.

Cocker Spaniels tend to bark at everything. They are also very excitable. One problem my aunt has is that Katie gets so excited when my aunt gets home that Katie cannot control her bladder. So my aunt has to be sure to get Katie outside right away so she doesn't wet on the floor.

They are listed in a top ten breeds for families list so make a great family dog. Some Cockers are a bit nippy, but overall the ones I know get along fine with young children. Tiger was especially good with any child and never growled or snapped at anyone.
But Cocker Spaniels are not for everyone. Before you get one make sure you want a dog that needs you, that wants to be with you, and that requires regular grooming.